Colmanara??? What should i believe??

[SShide77]

I have been reading about colmanara orchids. I really like them and am thinking about purchasing one, but a lot of the information i am finding about them is conflicting. This website, Popular orchids - Colmanara Wildcat, says that they are low to medium light orchids. Yet I have read other places that oncidium alliance orchids require bright light. So what do i believe? Colmanaras are also listed on a few websites as easy orchids grow and good for beginners. Is this true?

-sarah

[articuno75]

I find Oncidiums and the Alliance alike to be easier than Phals.
These guys tend to be thirsty drinkers too.

Yet I have read other places that oncidium alliance orchids require bright light.

Well, that depends on what you have. If you have say for instance an Alcra. Pacific Nova that has thicker leaves than most other Oncidiums or the hybrids, then you would want it in bright if not direct light. But if you have a Mtdm. Bartley Schwarz which is a cooler growing, thinner leafed orchid then you'd want it to get shaded, indirect lighting.

[SShide77]

Oi, so many things to take into consideration! Ive had success with phals, so i think ill go ahead and try the colm. You say you find they are not too hard to grow?

[fred]

sarah you wont find alot of information of that name as is was changed to Odontocidium 'Wildcat'

see this link also
Culmanara Wildcat rainbow


Colmanara Wildcat = Odontocidium Wildcat
you will need the same cultivation as Oncidiums

[articuno75]

I find them easier. BUT just as with Phals, air circulation is important !!!

[mayres]

I think colmanara orchids are an excellent choice for beginners - one of my first orchids and still one of my favorites - does very well in low to medium light for me - I have one in an NE window of my office and it faithfully blooms twice every year!

[kmarch]

I've succsaafully grown and bloomed Odonts in medium light. As they are soft-leaves, I'd not recommend high light. Save that for the thick leaved catts and vandas.

[kazjak]

Sarah, I grow all my Oncidium Alliance plants in Northern Ohio in full sun till about 1PM.. I grow them right along side my Catts and Dens. They love it. Some leaf spotting but they bloom like crazy! Mine has been in bloom since January. We just don't get the intensity that the south gets. Just keep them where they get good air movement. Oh yea, and very thirsty during the growing season

[sandra]

One important tip to offer about these and with most Onc's, is the air flow. Constant, constant air flow is a must with these, more (I've found) than with other genera. I learned...the hard way.